CPR Requirements

SUBJECT: Specification of C.P.R. Requirements - Approved Courses

The requirements for certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) for the purposes of testing at all Virginia certification levels are based upon the current guidelines as referenced in the following:

U.S.-D.O.T. National Standard Curriculum for the First Responder (1995)

These documents base and reference their content to the American Heart Association "Standards for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC. Revisions of these standards are generally considered as the current accepted practice of C.P.R. on a national basis.

The Virginia Office of EMS requires that all individuals hold current certification in C.P.R. as a prerequisite for enrollment in the EMT-Basic and EMS First Responder Programs (initial full certification courses). Additionally, those students who eventually request to be tested to gain an initial Basic Life Support certification level must show proof of current training in C.P.R. by presentation at the test site of an EMT-Instructor verified Individual Skill Performance Record showing successful course completion. (Current CPR card or official course rosters are also acceptable to verify CPR certification.) As specified in the curricula listed above, completion of an approved course which tests the following skills is required:

One and Two Rescuer C.P.R. - ADULT and CHILD

Infant Resuscitation

Complete Airway Obstruction - Unconscious Victim

Complete Airway Obstruction - Conscious Victim

Complete Airway Obstruction - Unconscious Infant

Complete Airway Obstruction - Conscious/Choking Infant

The current courses which are accepted by the Virginia Office of E.M.S. to meet these standards are: